Local Catholics react to pope stepping down

As Catholics worldwide react to news that Pope Benedict XVI will step down at the end of the month, local parishioners say they are surprised but have faith for the future.

Matthew AlbrightStaff Writer

As Catholics worldwide react to news that Pope Benedict XVI will step down at the end of the month, local parishioners say they are surprised but have faith for the future.“Even though I am saddened by our Holy Father’s decision, I understand how the weight of the office and all the responsibilities that it demands on a daily basis has led him to resign,” Sam Jacobs, bishop of the Houma-Thibodaux Diocese, wrote in a news release. “We pray for him and at the same time we also pray for the guidance of the Holy Spirit in the selection of the next pope.”Josh Rodrigue, rector of the Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales in Houma, said the announcement came as a surprise but not a shock.“We’re not dealing with a death, but there’s still sort of a mourning period where some sadness is coming about,” he said.Rodrigue, who once worked in the Vatican, said Benedict was planning on retiring as a cardinal before he was chosen to be pope.“He was looking forward to retirement, to reading, writing and praying,” Rodrigue said. “I expect that he’ll live a life of seclusion. The last thing he wants is to have influence.”The process for selecting a pope will be an exciting one for Catholics, Rodrigue said. But he cautioned against getting caught up in politics and encouraged local Catholics to pray.“A lot of the news media are going to cover this like it’s a government. But this process is not about politics. It’s about prayer,” Rodrigue said. “Pray for the next one to be chosen. Pray for the church, that she may continue to be an instrument of hope in the world.” Rodrigue said it’s possible the decision could impact the local diocese. Jacobs will soon turn 75, the age when bishops traditionally turn in their resignations, which the Vatican can either accept or deny.But Rodrigue said he thought the transition probably wouldn’t delay that decision. Harold Fanguy, deacon at Holy Family Catholic Church in Dulac, said he was surprised by the news. But he said he understands the pope’s decision.“When I first heard it, I thought he was doing the right thing,” Fanguy said. “I think he realizes there’s a lot of difficult work involved and that his age may be starting to get in the way.”Fanguy said recent popes have picked up increasingly grueling travel schedules, so he can see why Benedict’s age became a factor.“In the world we live in, you’ve got to be connected. That takes a real physical toll on a person,” he said. “I think it’s purely a matter of his physical limitations. The man has a brilliant mind, and he’s still going to be contributing his wisdom to the church.”Fanguy said he wasn’t worried that Benedict’s resignation would hurt the church. He pointed to John Paul I, who died 33 days into his papacy.“When the pope died after a month, people were saying, ‘Oh no, the church is in trouble.’ But it turned out OK,” Funguy said. “I believe the church is guided by the Holy Spirit, and I have faith that things will turn out for the best.”

Staff Writer Matthew Albright can be reached at 448-7635 or at matthew.albright@dailycomet.com.